Broom

Sarothamnus scoparius syn. Cytisus scoparius

Broom Broom Flowers Broom Tops Common Broom Genista Irish Broom Link Scotch Broom Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents

The broom plant is a stiff and many branched shrub that can reach ten feet when fully grown. Compound leaves are present on the lower part of the plant; the lower compound leaves are made up of three leaflets each. Leaves in the upper part of the plant are normally undivided and whole. From April to June, the broom gives out bright yellow and pea like flowers, each flower is about three fourths of an inch across. The flowers of the broom bloom singly or grow out in pairs along the branches and are subsequently followed by the production of brown and hairy seedpods, each of which is two to three inches in length.

In medieval Europe, the typical housewife used the twigs and branches of the broom as domestic tool for sweeping the floors. A common belief in the Middle Ages was that the herb could repel witches; however, using the broom while it was in full bloom was believed to invite bad luck on the house. The prevalence of this superstition can be gauged from the words of an old English saying that states: "If you sweep the house with blossomed broom in May, you are sure to sweep the head of the house away." It can be seen that the broom had both utilitarian and superstitious uses attached to its use.

The broom is additionally linked to a long heraldic history and tradition. One tradition states that, Count Geoffrey, who was the count of Anjou from 1129 to 1149, adopted the broom as a symbolic badge and fixed it to his helmet - he may have done this to help his troops could follow him into battle with ease of identification. The broom was again chosen as a symbol a century later, when a new order of knighthood was founded by Louis IX of France; this king chose the broom as an emblem of humility. Thus, the humble broom was used as a heraldic symbol in Europe.

Herbalist also prepared medications using the broom and the herb was believed to be of great value as a medicine. For example, in the 16th century broom was often given as a diuretic and as a purgative herb to patients. The herb was at one time a very common herbal treatment for many ailments and disorders. The distilled water of the broom flowers was reportedly drunk as a remedy for illness, by none other than the great Henry VIII - king of England. The beneficial properties attributed to the broom plant are not supported by modern research, and though several modern herbals still list broom as being a good diuretic and cathartic - strong laxative - herb, the official medical community does not recommend the use of the tops of the broom plant as the tops contain many plant toxins which can be injurious to health.

PARTS USED

Flowering tops.

USES

One of the principal uses of the broom is as remedy for treating an irregular and fast heart beat rate. Cardiac nerves and the electrical conductivity cardiac tissues are affected by the broom; the herb slows down and regulates the transmission of the nerve impulses in cardiac muscles. The strongly diuretic action of the broom is another reason for its use as a medicine; the broom helps stimulate the production of urine and counters fluid retention in the body. The broom has been employed in preventing excessive blood loss following the birth of a child due to the fact that broom induces the muscles of the uterus to contract.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

The broom is an European plant, indigenous to continental Europe. The broom plants are a common sight on heaths, in pathways and along roadsides, and in open woodland or waste lands. The broom has been naturalized in many temperate regions of the world; this includes the US, where the plant is now quite a common sight in woodlands. From spring to the fall, the flowering tops of the broom can be collected for use in many herbal preparations. Broom plants are still used to make the traditional sweeping implements in some areas, though the practice is now mostly restricted and is a cultural rite with no functional or utilitarian ends.

CONSTITUENTS

Broom contains quinolizidine alkaloids (particularly sparteine and lupanine), phenethylamines, isoflavones, flavonoids, a volatile oil, caffeic and p-coumaric acids, tannins, and pigments. Sparteine reduces the heart rate, and the isoflavones are estrogenic.